Engraving Tools

[keebler303]

You can also spend $4000 and get a 40W laser and Cermark and mark all the same materials.

Yes you can, or you can just have a local laser shop do it for a fraction of that cost. If you are marking shop tools you don't need to do it every day. I fail to see the necessity to buy any type of laser machine, unless of course there are other uses not yet mentioned.

I'm honestly not sure why you're in here suggesting $50,000 solutions when the guy is looking to spend $800.

I was not suggesting that anyone buy a $50k solution. I mentioned that it was possible to mark without Cermark just as a public service. If you are marking any quantity of parts, cermark gets expensive and if you don't need it then it would be foolish to use it. My suggestion about the synrad setup was made in jest, one of the many tones that is not easily expressed over the internet. My point was to leave the laser work to someone who already has the PROPER equipment to give you want you need and focus your efforts on your own "bread and butter". Lots of folks try to do everything and be everyone. Do what you are good at, leave the rest to someone else.

Additionally, if the budget is $800, I fail to see how a $4,000 solution is any more useful than a $50,000 solution.

Matt

[Scheer]

Its not something that would be used daily, but I would bet we would use it weekly. There are several other applications we could use a laser engraver on, and currently do sub the work out.

I was just wanting to undertake the project on my own so I could also have a new toy, and I personally don't have $5k to spend so I was looking to make sure there aren't any other options.


So... how would this sound. Build this laser using a 60w tube: Buildlog.net 2.x Laser at Buildlog.Net Blog

Cermark to do the tool engraving (the only steel I can think we would ever do), and then the rest will be either brass, aluminum, or plastic and 60W would be plenty.

[Hurricane21]

Scheer,

I just wanted to say hello and introduce you to Hurricane Lasers

If we can be of any assistance we would love to help you find an affordable solution for your needs.

We can be reached at 855-5Lasers from 8am-5pm PST Monday-Friday.

Thank you and Happy Holidays from the Hurricane Laser Team.

[RossMosh]

Its not something that would be used daily, but I would bet we would use it weekly. There are several other applications we could use a laser engraver on, and currently do sub the work out.

I was just wanting to undertake the project on my own so I could also have a new toy, and I personally don't have $5k to spend so I was looking to make sure there aren't any other options.


So... how would this sound. Build this laser using a 60w tube: Buildlog.net 2.x Laser at Buildlog.Net Blog

Cermark to do the tool engraving (the only steel I can think we would ever do), and then the rest will be either brass, aluminum, or plastic and 60W would be plenty.

Can't laser engrave brass or aluminum unless it's coated. You also can't engrave a lot of plastics.

Edit: I had a brain fart. You can mark aluminum. It's just a bit more tricky. For whatever reason I was thinking of silver. My head cold is getting the best of me.

[Scheer]

Thermoplastics and anodized aluminum can be engraved correct?

What kind of coating on brass would allow it to be engraved? Thats the majority of the reason the laser engraver would be used... so maybe sticking with a CNC mill/router is my best option after all.

[Rodney Gold]

Haiku

Strong wind
blows
smell of
canned beef
wafts

[Scheer]

I haven't the slightest clue what that means.

[Rodney Gold]

Canned bully beef is spam.